Academic Spotlight: Kayla Elam

Nominated by: Bruce Howard, science teacher and University Interscholastic League science coach at Clarendon High School

■ Reason for nomination: Kayla won the district UIL science competition in 2011 and placed fourth in the Region 1A academic meet in science last spring. She also won “Honor C” awards in chemistry, physics, algebra II, geometry, French and geography in the last two years. “Honor C” awards go to the highest grade in each class.

■ Biggest achievement: “My biggest achievement would have to be going to state last year in UIL science. I was not expecting to make it that far, but I’m proud that my team did.”

■ Secret to success: “Diligence and hard work can help you achieve anything.”

■ Favorite subject: “My favorite subject would have to be chemistry. I like chemistry because of the extra effort I have to put in to complete difficult problems. I enjoy learning about how medicine and the different chemical compounds are formed.”

■ Current involvement in community or school: “I am currently a member of the school’s chapter of National Honor Society. I have also been an active UIL science member since ninth grade and an active UIL editorial writer since 11th grade. I am in a community service class that helps the community in any capacity.”

■ How do you stay motivated: “I have had my goals set for my future since eighth grade. I keep my goals in mind and realize that nothing can come in the way of me achieving my goals.”

■ Plans and goals after graduation: “I plan on attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Okla., for four years to achieve my degree in pharmacy. I also plan on minoring in Spanish while I am there.”